Any coach can pull a group of players together, teach them offense and defense and call them a team.

But a true team is more than just a group of individuals in the same uniform. It's a collection of athletes who understand that being a true team player requires some very important traits.

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Here are 10 habits of highly effective teammates:

1. They listen to other people’s opinions and ideas and don’t belittle teammates who offer opinions in practice.

2. They support the coach, even if they don’t agree with their strategy.

3. They work amiably with any partner they're assigned to, even if they don’t care for the person.

4. They stay out of cliques, making the new kid on the team feel welcome or befriending the player that no one talks to.

5. They accept their role on the team and are even willing to change it for the good of the team. They recognize the skills and strengths of teammates.

6. They take responsibility and don’t blame others for mistakes in the game.

7. They're more concerned with team success than their individual success.

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8. They recognize and accept differences in their teammates’ skills and personalities, including their own. They don’t compare themselves to others on the team. They just do the best they can. Coaches and parents must help athletes figure out their personal skill strengths so they know what they bring to the team is a necessary ingredient.

9. They know how to enjoy the game and their teammates. They don’t take themselves or the game so seriously that they never laugh or smile during games or practices. They understand and love competition, but recognize it’s still a game.

10. They have their teammates’ backs. The team knows they can depend on each other. It’s important they learn to trust one other.

Janis B. Meredith is a life coach for sports parents. She provides resources to help parents raise champions. Learn more about how she can help parents have Less Stress and More Fun in youth sports.

This is an updated version of a blog that originally published May 4, 2017.